Thu. Dec 1, 2016 News from Israel

Netanyahu’s former chief of staff Gil Sheffer under investigation for sexual assault

US Ambassador to Israel promises that US will veto any decision made against Israel in UN Security Council

Habayit Hayehudi MK denies sexual crime claims against him

Cleared for publication -the former senior level official close to Netanyahu who was arrested and released on house arrest on suspicion of committing sexual assault is Gil Sheffer, who was the Israeli Prime Minister’s former chief of staff. Sheffer, who is considered a close friend of the Netanyahu family, was questioned after a complaint was filed against him a month and a half ago. The complainant claims that Sheffer sexually assaulted her and even held her against her will.

US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro made clear on Thursday that the US would veto any decision made against Israel within the UN Security Council. “This has been a long-standing policy and I do not see a reason to change it,” he explained.

Ha -Bayit Ha-Yehudi chairman Naftali Bennett spoke Thursday with the MK from his party who has been accused of sexually harassing and assaulting several women. Bennett stated that the MK dismissed the allegations during their conversation. Bennett added that every woman who “feels that she has been harmed by a man, even if he is in a senior-level position, should file a complaint.” In a Facebook post uploaded yesterday, social activist Chagit Moriah-Gibor claimed that several women have accused the Ha-Bayit Ha-Yehudi MK of sexual harassment and assault.

Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris released a letter admitting responsibility for actions he’s been accused of and denying some media reports".In the wake of various media reports, I clarify that I fully admit to the charges against me and I take full responsibility for the actions detailed therein,” the short note reads.I would like to add that the media reports related to the plea bargain citing those who claim to be close to me do not represent me,” the statement adds.Buchris was accused of sexually assaulting two officers who served below him. The letter is supposed to be part of a plea bargain that will see him charged with a lesser offense of improper relations and avoid jail time. One of the officers who accused Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris of sexual assault said she accepted the note released by him in which he takes responsibility for his actions, her lawyer said.

Sara Netanyahu was questioned once again by the Israel Police Thursday in regards to the Prime Minister’s Residence Affair. In May, the Israel Police recommended that the prime minister’s wife stand trial after investigators gathered a substantial amount of evidence against her. As she faced investigators, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the investigation, saying that the allegations against her were baseless.

Israel's new ambassador to Turkey, Eitan Na'eh, arrived in Ankara on Thursday as part of mutual steps towards normalizing diplomatic ties between the once strong Mediterranean allies following a breakdown in 2010.Ambassador Na'eh will present his credentials to President Erdogan next week.